Textiles and garments formed using yarns interval treated with functional finishing agents

Abstract

Aspects herein relate to applying a functional finish to a yarn using a spacer treatment process and incorporating the treated yarn into a textile and / or garment to impart functional properties to the textile and / or garment design.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of an application with an application date of October 4, 2017, application number 201780056231.6, and invention name “Textiles and clothing formed by yarns treated with functional finishing agents”. Technical Field

[0002] Aspects herein relate to textiles and garments formed using yarns that are space-treated with functional finishes. Background Art

[0003] Spacer treated yarns have traditionally been used to dye the yarns a variety of different colors, thereby changing the aesthetic characteristics of textiles and garments formed from the dyed yarns. Summary of the invention

[0004] This article covers the following areas:

[0005] 1). A textile comprising: a knitted or woven structure formed using at least one spaced-treated yarn, wherein the spaced-treated yarn has at least a first yarn segment and a second yarn segment connected to the first yarn segment, the first yarn segment having a first functional finish applied to the first yarn segment, wherein the second yarn segment does not have the first functional finish applied thereto.

[0006] 2). The textile product according to 1), wherein the second yarn segment has a second functional finish applied to the second yarn segment.

[0007] 3). The textile according to 2), wherein the second functional finishing agent is different from the first functional finishing agent.

[0008] 4). The textile according to 2), wherein the interval-treated yarn further comprises a third yarn segment having a third functional finishing agent applied to the third yarn segment, the third yarn segment being connected to the second yarn segment.

[0009] 5). The textile according to 4), wherein the interval-treated yarn further comprises a fourth yarn segment having a fourth functional finish applied to the fourth yarn segment, the fourth yarn segment being connected to the third yarn segment.

[0010] 6). The textile product according to 1), wherein between 25% and 75% of the interval-treated yarns comprise the first functional finish.

[0011] 7). The textile according to 6), wherein between 25% and 75% of the textile comprises the first functional finishing agent.

[0012] 8). The textile according to 1), wherein positioning of the first yarn segment comprising the first functional finish varies along the length and width of the textile.

[0013] 9). A textile according to 8), wherein the positioning of the second yarn segments varies along the length and width of the textile.

[0014] 10). A garment comprising: a knitted or woven structure formed using at least one yarn, the yarn being spaced so that the yarn comprises at least a first yarn segment and a second yarn segment connected to the first yarn segment, the first yarn segment having a first functional finish applied to the first yarn segment, wherein the positions of the first yarn segments having the first functional finish applied to the first yarn segments are staggered over the length and width of the garment.

[0015] 11). The garment according to 10), wherein between 25% and 75% of the yarn comprises the first functional finish.

[0016] 12). The garment according to 11), wherein between 25% and 75% of the garment comprises the first functional finishing agent.

[0017] 13). The garment according to 10), wherein the length of the first yarn segment is different from the length of the second yarn segment.

[0018] 14). The garment according to 10), wherein the length of the first yarn segment is the same as the length of the second yarn segment.

[0019] 15). A method for forming a textile, the method comprising: providing a yarn having a length; applying at least a first functional finish to a first set of non-contiguous segments of the yarn along the length of the yarn using an interval treatment process; and forming the textile using the treated yarn.

[0020] 16) The method according to 15), wherein the spacing treatment process includes one of knitting-unraveling, warp yarn printing and dyeing, spacing treatment in package form or spacing treatment in skein form.

[0021] 17). The method according to 15) further includes: applying at least a second functional finish to a second group of non-contiguous segments of the yarn along the length of the yarn using the interval treatment process.

[0022] 18). The method according to 17), wherein corresponding segments of the first group of non-connected segments are connected to corresponding segments of the second group of non-connected segments.

[0023] 19). The method according to 18), wherein the first functional finishing agent is different from the second functional finishing agent.

[0024] 20). The method according to 15), wherein the positioning of the first group of non-contiguous segments comprising the first functional finishing agent is staggered in the length and width of the formed textile. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Examples of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary yarn treated with a functional finish at intervals according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary knitted textile formed using yarns interval-treated with a functional finish according to aspects herein;

[0028] Figure 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a double-sided knitted structure formed using two yarns each treated with a functional finish at intervals according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary woven textile formed using weft yarns treated with a functional finish in intervals according to aspects herein;

[0030] Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary woven textile formed using one or more warp yarns treated at intervals with a functional finish according to aspects herein;

[0031] Figure 6 illustrates an exemplary textile formed using a yarn that has been spaced apart to exhibit a gradient of a functional finish according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 7 illustrates an exemplary garment of a knitted / woven structure formed using one or more yarns treated at intervals with a functional finish in accordance with aspects herein; and

[0033] Figure 8 A flow chart of an exemplary method of forming a garment using yarn that has been interval treated with a functional finish according to aspects herein is illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The subject matter of the present invention is specifically described herein to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed or disclosed subject matter may also be embodied in other ways in conjunction with other existing or future technologies to include different steps or combinations of steps similar to the steps described in this document. In addition, although the terms "step" and / or "box" may be used herein to refer to different elements of the method used, these terms should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between the various steps disclosed herein, unless and except when the order of the individual steps is explicitly stated.

[0035] In general, aspects of the present invention relate to textiles and garments formed using yarns treated at intervals with different functional finishes. As used herein, the term "functional finish" can be defined as a finish that alters, changes or modifies the properties of the yarn to which it is applied and / or contributes to a specific attribute of the yarn without substantially changing the visual appearance of the yarn when it is applied.

[0036] Exemplary functional finishes may include, for example, mud and / or stain removal finishes, wear resistant finishes, anti-slip finishes, light stable finishes, anti-pilling finishes, water repellent or hydrophobic finishes, such as durable water repellent finishes (DWR finishes), moisture management finishes, porosity control finishes, water absorption or hydrophilic finishes, UV absorbing finishes, antistatic finishes, phase change and temperature regulation finishes, antimicrobial finishes, odor management finishes, conductive finishes, flame retardant finishes, light reflective finishes, burn-out pastes, UV reactive inks, and the like. Finishes may also include heating and cooling management finishes. For example, reflective finishes such as ceramic finishes or metallized vapors may be used so that the resulting yarn can reflect heat or light. In another example, coolants such as menthol, spearmint or peppermint oil or other types of cooling chemicals such as heat absorbers may be applied as finishes to impart cooling properties to the yarn. Another exemplary finish may include a colored dye combined with a functional finish such as a DWR finish. As an example, it is often difficult to dye a textile that has been treated with a DWR finish because the DWR may prevent the dye from fully impregnating the yarn in the textile, resulting in a mottled or mottled effect. In an exemplary aspect, a colored dye combined with a DWR finish may be applied to the yarn using a spaced treatment process, allowing the dye and DWR finish to be evenly dispersed on the yarn. Textiles produced using such yarns will generally be evenly dyed and will be substantially impermeable to water.

[0037] More specifically, aspects of the present invention contemplate applying functional finishing agents to yarns using a spaced treatment process and incorporating the treated yarns into textiles and / or garments to impart designed functional properties to textiles and / or garments. As used throughout this disclosure, the term "spaced treatment process" is intended to encompass any number of processes known in the art that are traditionally used to dye yarns into a variety of different colors. Conventional exemplary spaced treatment processes may include, for example, a knit-de-knit process, in which the yarns are first knitted into a tubular fabric, and one or more dyes are applied to the tubular fabric. Because dyes generally do not penetrate yarn intersections in knitted textiles, once de-knitted, the resulting yarn will present short segments (4 mm to 1 cm) of color separated by undyed yarns.

[0038] Another conventional exemplary dyeing interval process may include continuous printing or warp printing, wherein multiple strands of yarn are continuously printed with different colors at intervals. Printing can be accomplished by passing the warp yarns through intervals of dye baths, using licking rollers or rotating disc applicators, using printing rollers, using dye coating pads, and the like. The resulting yarn will typically exhibit longer color extensions in the range of 8 cm to 20 cm.

[0039] Next, another conventional exemplary dyeing interval treatment process may include interval dyeing under package form. In this method, the yarn can be wound on a cone or other type of bobbin to form a yarn package, and then the yarn package is positioned in a container with different feed slots and jet pumps. The dye is sprayed at a fixed position on the yarn package under high pressure to help the yarn impregnation dye. Excess dye is collected by vacuum. Depending on the position of the jet pump, different patterns can be achieved on the yarn package.

[0040] Another conventional exemplary dyeing interval treatment process may include interval dyeing in skein form. In this process, the yarn is in skein form and the color is sprayed on the skein at fixed locations. In an exemplary aspect, the color can be applied under pressure to help the yarn impregnate the dye, and vacuum can be used to collect excess dye. Various parameters can be controlled, such as the length of the colored segment.

[0041] Aspects of this paper contemplate modifying the different dyeing interval treatment processes described above to apply one or more functional finishes to the yarn. Because the functional finish may exhibit properties different from the dye, such as viscosity, boiling point, surface tension, volatility, and the like, the parameters associated with the typical dyeing interval treatment process may need to be modified. For example, the injection time, injection pressure, run time, treatment temperature, and the like may be modified. For example, the jet pump may be physically modified to address, for example, the viscosity of a specific functional finish. Based on the properties of the specific functional finish used in the interval treatment process, it may be necessary to make additional modifications to the pre-processing and / or post-processing treatment of the yarn. Any aspect and all aspects and any variations thereof are contemplated to be within the scope of this paper.

[0042] One or more of these interval treatment processes is characterized by the ability to apply different functional finishes to different parts of the yarn using different jet pumps, different printing pads, different grooves, and the like. Therefore, after applying the functional finish, the yarn may include one or more connected segments, each segment having a functional finish applied thereto. As used throughout this disclosure, the term "connected" means sharing a common boundary. In other words, a single length of yarn may include one or more different connected segments, each connected segment having a functional finish applied thereto. However, it is also contemplated herein that certain yarn segments may not include a functional finish. For example, a first yarn segment may have a functional finish applied thereto, while a second yarn segment connected to the first yarn segment may not have a functional finish applied thereto. Any aspect and all aspects and any variations thereof are contemplated to be within the scope of this invention.

[0043] The length of each segment having a functional finish applied thereto can be controlled according to, for example, the space-treating process used to apply the functional finish. For example, if a knit-unravel process is used, the length of the different yarn segments can be shorter (e.g., 4 mm to 1 cm). However, the use of other space-treating processes such as warp printing can produce long yarn segments (e.g., between 8 cm and 20 cm) having a functional finish applied thereto. The use of space-treating in hank form or space-treating in package form can enable the production of segments with variable lengths as well as segments with approximately equal lengths.

[0044] In one aspect, continuous interval processing in package form can also allow the production of yarns with a gradient of a specific functional finish along the length of the yarn. As an example, when interval processing is performed in package form, the yarn is wound on a cone or bobbin and then positioned in a container having one or more feed slots and a jet pump. When the functional finish is applied via a jet pump, greater yarn impregnation or penetration may occur in those yarn segments located near the outside of the cone or bobbin (i.e., close to the jet pump), while less yarn impregnation or penetration of the functional finish may occur in those yarn segments located near the inside of the cone or bobbin (i.e., farther away from the jet pump). The differential penetration can be further controlled by changing the injection pressure for applying the functional finish and / or by changing the vacuum strength in the container. When the treated yarn is unwound from the cone or bobbin and transferred to a knitting or braiding bobbin, the yarn pulled from the bobbin generally presents a gradient of the functional finish based on the degree of penetration in the interval processing process. For example, a first length of yarn corresponding to a yarn segment located near the outside of a cone or bobbin may have a greater amount of functional finish, a second adjoining length corresponding to a yarn segment located near the middle of the cone or bobbin may present an intermediate amount of functional finish, and a third length adjoining the second length corresponding to a yarn segment located near the inside of the cone or bobbin may have a lesser amount of functional finish. Thus, a textile or garment knitted or woven using the yarn may present a gradient of functional finish along, for example, the width of the textile or garment or the length of the textile or garment, depending on the knitting / weaving process used to form the textile or garment.

[0045] As described, using the interval treatment process described above, the yarn treated with the functional finish can be incorporated into textiles and clothing. In one example, a knitted structure can be used to form a textile, wherein the knitted structure includes a series of interlocking loops formed using yarns treated with one or more functional finishes. Assuming that the yarn is treated to have a repeating pattern containing functional finish A-functional finish B, a knitted textile containing such a yarn will have an interlaced pattern of functional finish A and an interlaced pattern of functional finish B. In other words, a yarn segment with functional finish A will be separated from another yarn segment with functional finish A by a yarn segment with functional finish B (i.e., the yarn segments with functional finish A do not touch each other, and the yarn segments with functional finish B do not touch each other). Due to the interlooping nature of the knitted structure, the positioning of specific yarn segments with functional finish A and / or functional finish B will change along the length or width of the textile to produce an interlaced pattern for each functional finish.

[0046] Continuing with reference to this example, depending on the length of a particular segment including functional finish A and the length of a yarn segment including functional finish B, a textile formed from the yarn will include a certain percentage of yarn segments having functional finish A and the remaining percentage of yarn segments having functional finish B. As an example, if the yarn segments having functional finish A are designed to be twice as long as the yarn segments having functional finish B through a spacing treatment process, the textile formed from the yarn will typically include 66% functional finish A and 33% functional finish B. As can be seen, by controlling the length of the yarn segments having a particular functional finish (e.g., via controlling parameters associated with a particular spacing treatment process), the percentage of the yarn containing the particular functional finish can be controlled. Similarly, when the yarn is incorporated into a textile, the percentage of the textile containing the particular functional finish can also be controlled.

[0047] Aspects of the present invention further contemplate the use of yarns treated with different functional finishes at intervals in a woven structure. In one example, the yarn treated at intervals can be used as, for example, a weft or weft in a woven structure. As with a knitted structure, where the functional finish will be present in a staggered pattern in the finished textile, the use of the yarn treated at intervals as the weft will produce similar results. For example, the positioning of a specific yarn segment with a specific functional finish will vary along the length or width of the woven textile to produce a staggered pattern for the functional finish. In addition, as described above, the percentage of the woven textile comprising a specific functional finish can be controlled by changing the length of the yarn segment comprising the specific finish.

[0048] It is also contemplated herein that yarns treated with functional finishes at intervals may be used as warp yarns in a woven structure. For example, some or all of the warp yarns may include yarns that have been treated at intervals to have one or more functional finishes. The weft yarns used in this structure may or may not be treated at intervals to have one or more functional finishes. The number of warp yarns with functional finishes, the use of weft yarns treated at intervals with functional finishes, the type of functional finishes, and the length of yarn segments including specific functional finishes may be controlled to design textiles with desired functional properties. Any aspect and all aspects and any variations thereof are contemplated to be within the scope of this article.

[0049] Certain functional advantages can be achieved by designing the percentage of functional finishes in yarns and / or textiles or garments made from the yarns. For example, a traditional structure may include a yarn that has been treated or formed to have a single functional finish along its entire length. Other traditional structures may include already formed textiles to which a functional finish is applied. In these cases, the portion of the textile that has been treated with a functional finish or that contains yarns that have been treated entirely with the same functional finish will contain 100% of the applied functional finish. In other words, this portion of the textile will exhibit the properties of a functional finish without any gradient or modulation. For example, if the yarn has been treated with a DWR finish, or the textile has been treated with a DWR finish, the resulting textile will typically be 100% hydrophobic.

[0050] Next, by designing the percentage of functional finish in the yarn, the textile made of the yarn can present a greater transformation of the applied functional finish. As an example, the yarn can be treated at intervals so that it includes 50% of the yarn segments with DWR finish, and 50% of the yarn segments with hydrophilic finish (however, other ratios are contemplated herein). Alternatively, the non-DWR segments may not have a functional finish applied thereto, but may be naturally hydrophilic. The textile formed by the yarn will typically be 50% hydrophobic and 50% hydrophilic, with the hydrophobic segments and the hydrophilic segments staggered in the length and width of the textile. This can be useful in cases where the wearer needs clothing that usually hides the appearance of sweat to a certain extent, but still absorbs some sweat. In addition, the staggered pattern of DWR segments and non-DWR segments in the textile can help any absorbed moisture diffuse, thereby avoiding the pattern caused by typical sweat absorption. Other advantages associated with the use of yarns treated at intervals with functional finishes will be provided below.

[0051] Thus, aspects of the present invention provide a textile comprising a knitted structure formed using at least one spaced-treated yarn, the spaced-treated yarn having at least a first yarn segment and a second yarn segment connected to the first yarn segment, the first yarn segment having a first functional finish applied thereto, wherein the second yarn segment does not have the first functional finish applied thereto.

[0052] Aspects of the present invention also provide a garment comprising one or more zones positioned at different areas of the garment, at least one of the one or more zones having a knitted structure formed using at least a first spaced-apart treated yarn having at least a first yarn segment and a second yarn segment connected to the first yarn segment, the first yarn segment having a first functional finish applied thereto.

[0053] On the other hand, a garment is provided, comprising at least a first area formed using a knitted structure, the knitted structure of the first area comprising a first spaced-apart yarn having at least a first yarn segment and a second yarn segment, the first yarn segment having a first functional finish applied thereto, the second yarn segment having a second functional finish applied thereto, the first yarn segment being connected to the second yarn segment.

[0054] In yet another aspect, a textile is provided. The textile includes a woven structure having a weft yarn, the weft yarn including at least a first yarn segment and a second yarn segment connected to the first yarn segment, the first yarn segment having a first finish applied thereto, wherein the second yarn segment does not have the first functional finish applied thereto.

[0055] The present invention also provides a garment comprising one or more zones positioned at different areas of the garment, wherein at least one of the one or more zones has a woven structure comprising a weft yarn having at least a first yarn segment and a second yarn segment connected to the first yarn segment, the first yarn segment having a first functional finish applied thereto.

[0056] In yet another aspect, a garment is provided, comprising at least a first region formed using a woven structure, wherein the woven structure of the first region comprises a first weft yarn having at least a first yarn segment and a second yarn segment, the first yarn segment having a first functional finish applied thereto, the second yarn segment having a second functional finish applied thereto, wherein the first yarn segment is connected to the second yarn segment.

[0057] In another aspect, a textile is provided, wherein the textile includes a woven structure having one or more warp yarns, the one or more warp yarns including at least a first yarn segment and a second yarn segment connected to the first yarn segment, the first yarn segment having a first functional finish applied thereto, wherein the second yarn segment does not have the first functional finish applied thereto.

[0058] On the other hand, a textile is provided, comprising a knitted or woven structure formed using at least one yarn, the at least one yarn having been spaced such that the yarn comprises at least a first yarn segment and a second yarn segment connected to the first yarn segment, the first yarn segment having a first functional finish applied thereto, wherein the positions of the first yarn segments having the first functional finish applied thereto are staggered across the length and width of the textile.

[0059] A method of forming a textile is provided, the method comprising providing a length of yarn, applying at least a first functional finish to a first set of non-contiguous segments of the yarn along the length of the yarn using a spaced treatment process, and forming a textile using the treated yarn.

[0060] When describing garments, positional terms used throughout this disclosure, such as "front," "back," "upper," "lower," "outer," "inner," and the like, are relative to the garment as it would be worn by a hypothetical wearer standing in an anatomical position. Unless otherwise specified, terms such as "attach," "secure," and the like may mean that two or more elements are releasably attached or permanently attached together.

[0061] Now go to Figure 1 , Figure 1 A portion of an exemplary yarn 100 that has been treated with different functional finishes according to aspects of the present invention is illustrated. The spaced treatment process may include any of the processes described above, for example, knitting-unraveling, warp printing, spaced treatment in package form, spaced treatment in hank form, and other spaced treatment processes known in the art but not described herein. In this exemplary aspect, the yarn 100 may include connected segments 110, 112, 114, and 116. In the exemplary aspect, each of the segments 110, 112, 114, and 116 may include a functional finish. In addition, each of the segments 110, 112, 114, and 116 may include a different functional finish as represented by a different shading pattern. However, it is also conceivable that two or more of these segments may have the same functional finish. In this regard, segments with the same functional finish (such as segment 110 and segment 112) may be connected to each other. Or these segments may be separated by intermediate segments with different functional finishes. For example, segment 110 and segment 114 may have the same functional finish, while segment 112 and segment 116 may have different functional finishes. Additionally, as stated above, it is contemplated herein that one or more of segments 110, 112, 114, or 116 may not be treated with a functional finish. Any and all aspects and any variations thereof are contemplated as being within the scope of this disclosure.

[0062] It is contemplated herein that the segments 110, 112, 114, or 116 may have substantially the same length (substantially meaning approximately within 5 mm of one another), one or more of the segments 110, 112, 114, or 116 may have a longer length than the remaining segments, or one or more of the segments 110, 112, 114, or 116 may have a shorter length than the remaining segments. Furthermore, it is contemplated herein that segments having the same functional finish applied thereto may include substantially the same segment length, however segments including the same functional finish of different lengths are contemplated herein.

[0063] By adjusting the parameters associated with the spacing process as described above, the lengths of segments 110, 112, 114, and 116 can be controlled so that the yarn 100 includes a predetermined percentage of the functional finish. For example, segments 110 and 114 can include functional finish A, and segments 112 and 116 can include functional finish B. By adjusting the lengths of segments 110 and 114 relative to the lengths of segments 112 and 116, the percentage of functional finish A and functional finish B included by the yarn 100 can be adjusted. In an exemplary approach, the percentage of the functional finish on the yarn 100 can be adjusted to, for example, between 5% and 95%, between 15% and 85%, between 25% and 75%, between 35% and 65%, between 45% and 55%, or 50%, although percentage values ​​falling between, above, and / or below these ranges are also contemplated herein.

[0064] It is also contemplated herein that each of segments 110, 112, 114, and 116 may include the same functional finish, but at different concentrations. For example, as described above with respect to interval processing in package form, various parameters of the process may be controlled to achieve variable penetration of the functional finish into the yarn segments based on the location of a particular yarn segment on a cone or bobbin. As an example, the penetration of the functional finish into the yarn segments located outside the cone or bobbin may be greater than the penetration of the functional finish into the yarn segments located inside the cone or bobbin or into the middle of the cone or bobbin between the outside and inside. Thus, as an example, yarn segment 110 may present the highest concentration of the functional finish, yarn segment 112 may present the second highest concentration, followed by yarn segment 114, and then yarn segment 116. As will be explained in more depth below, when yarn 100 is incorporated into a textile via a knitting or weaving process, a gradient of the functional finish may be achieved over the length and width of the textile.

[0065] Figure 2A portion of a knitted textile 200 formed using a yarn 210 according to aspects of the present invention is illustrated, the yarn 210 having been spaced with one or more functional finishes. For illustrative purposes, the yarn 210 is shown with a shaded segment to indicate a first functional finish 212, and a non-shaded segment to indicate a second functional finish 214, however it is contemplated herein that the non-shaded segment may also indicate a lack of a functional finish. Along the length of the yarn 210, a segment with a first functional finish 212 is joined to a segment with a second functional finish 214. In an exemplary aspect, it is contemplated herein that the knitted textile 200 is formed using only the yarn 210 (i.e., the yarn 210 is not combined with other yarns). For example, the knitted textile 200 may include a single-sided knitted plain fabric knitted using the yarn 210 as the sole yarn source. However, it is further contemplated herein that the yarn 210 may be combined with other yarns to form the textile 200. In this aspect, the additional yarns may include spaced-treated yarns or yarns that have not been spaced-treated. Any and all aspects and any variations thereof are contemplated to be within the scope of this document.

[0066] Due to the inter-looping nature of the knit structure, the positioning of the first functional finish 212 and the second functional finish 214 varies along the length and width of the textile 200. In other words, the positioning of each of the first functional finish 212 and the second functional finish 214 is staggered across the length and width of the textile 200. In addition, depending on the length of a particular yarn segment including the first functional finish 212 and the second functional finish 214, the percentages of the respective functional finishes 212 and 214 in the textile 200 can be controlled. The staggered patterning and the controlled percentages of the functional finishes 212 and 214 can provide certain functional advantages, as opposed to forming the textile 200 with yarn treated with only one functional finish along its length, and as opposed to forming the textile 200 with untreated yarn and then applying the functional finish to the textile 200. In both cases, the textile 200 will exhibit the characteristics of the functional finish without a gradient or transition.

[0067] In an exemplary aspect, the first functional finish 212 and the second functional finish 214 can work together to achieve two or more desired properties of the textile 200. For example, it may be desirable for the textile 200 to exhibit the properties of two or more functional finishes, such as water repellency and the ability to absorb ultraviolet light. Previous solutions would require the use of two different yarns - one yarn treated with a DWR finish and a second yarn treated with a UV absorbing finish - thereby potentially producing a heavier weight textile. Alternatively, the textile itself must be treated with two functional finishes after formation, thereby potentially increasing manufacturing costs and potentially limiting the number of functional finishes that can be used together, for example, due to adverse reactions occurring between the functional finishes. The use of a single yarn having adjacent segments treated with a DWR finish and a UV absorbing finish, respectively, enables the manufacture of lightweight textiles that are generally water repellent and provide UV protection.

[0068] In another example, using a defined percentage of the first functional finish 212 and the second functional finish 214 can contribute to a greater transition or gradual functional property of the textile 200. For example, it may be desirable for the textile 200 to exhibit properties between the properties of each of the functional finish 212 and the functional finish 214. In one example, it may be desirable for the textile 200 to absorb some of the sweat or perspiration generated by the wearer, but it is not desirable for the textile 200 to absorb all of the sweat or perspiration to avoid the garment containing the textile 200 from being saturated with sweat and becoming heavy. This can be achieved by having the first functional finish 212 include a DWR finish. The second functional finish 214 may include a water-absorbing finish or a hydrophilic finish. Alternatively, if the yarn 210 is naturally hydrophilic, the second functional finish 214 may not be applied. In this case, the textile 200 will absorb less sweat or perspiration than when the first functional finish 212 is not applied to the yarn 210. Furthermore, due to the staggered pattern of the first functional finish 212 and the second functional finish 214, any sweat or moisture that is absorbed will be spread out rather than concentrated in a confined area.

[0069] In yet another example, the staggered patterning of functional finish 212 and functional finish 214 can be used to create channels, such as "wicking" channels, in textile 200. In this case, first functional finish 212 can include a DWR finish, and second functional finish 214 can include a water-absorbing finish or a hydrophilic finish. Figure 2As shown in FIG. 1 , a “wicking” path or channel 216 can be formed in textile 200, wherein wicking channel 216 includes substantially adjacent segments of second functional finish 214 within textile 200. Wicking channel 216 is further bounded or defined by substantially adjacent segments of first functional finish 212 (DWR finish). Wicking channel 216 can be used to direct sweat or perspiration from a first area on textile 200 to a second area on textile 200. It is contemplated herein that textile 200 can include multiple wicking channels formed by adjacent segments of yarn 210 including second functional finish 214.

[0070] Other types of channels are contemplated herein. For example, the second functional finish 214 can include UV-reactive inks (i.e., inks that become visible when exposed to UV light) or burnout pastes (i.e., chemicals that dissolve cellulose-based fibers and leave protein-based fibers when activated). Due to the staggered positioning of the second functional finish 214 on the textile 200, the activation of, for example, UV-reactive inks or burnout pastes can produce interesting visual patterns.

[0071] Although textile 200 is described as a single jersey knit fabric formed using, for example, a single yarn (such as yarn 210), it is contemplated herein that the yarns treated with a functional finish may also be used in other knit structures including two or more yarns (such as a double jersey knit structure). Examples of this are described in Figure 3 It is shown in Figure 3Depicted is a cross-sectional view of a double knitted textile 300 formed using two different yarns, each of which is treated with a functional finish in intervals according to aspects of the present invention. More specifically, the double knitted textile 300 includes a first side 310 formed by a first yarn 312 that has been treated with intervals to include alternating first segments 314 and second segments 316, the first segments 314 being treated with a first functional finish, the second segments 316 being adjacent to and between the first segments 314. In an exemplary aspect, the second segments 316 can be treated with a second functional finish. Next, the double-sided knitted textile 300 also includes a second side 318 formed by a second yarn 320, which has been interlaced to include alternating third segments 322 and fourth segments 324, the third segments 322 being treated with a third functional finish, and the fourth segments 324 being adjacent to and between the third segments 322. In an exemplary aspect, the fourth segment 324 may be treated with a fourth functional finish. It is contemplated herein that one or more of the segments 314, 316, 322, or 324 may have the same functional finish applied thereto, or each segment 314, 316, 322, and 324 may include a different functional finish. It is further contemplated herein that one or more of the segments 314, 316, 322, or 324 may not have a functional finish applied thereto. It is also contemplated herein that different functional finishes may be used. Figure 3 Functional finish pattern shown in . Any and all aspects and any variations thereof are contemplated to be within the scope of this document.

[0072] When textile 300 is incorporated into a garment, first side 310 may include an inward-facing surface of the garment, and second side 318 may include an outward-facing surface of the garment. In an exemplary aspect, the functional finishes applied to first segment 314 and second segment 316 of yarn 312 may be selected to impart properties of textile 300 suitable for the inward-facing surface of the garment. For example, an antimicrobial finish may be applied to segment 314, and a hydrophilic finish may be applied to segment 316 of yarn 312, so that the garment formed by textile 300 absorbs sweat from the wearer's body while slowing down or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms in the inward-facing surface of the garment in contact with the skin. Next, different functional finishes suitable for the outward-facing surface of the garment may be selected to be applied to yarn 320 forming second side 318 of textile 300. For example, a DWR finish may be applied to segment 322, and a light-reflecting finish may be applied to segment 324. DWR finishes are generally useful for preventing perspiration absorbed by the hydrophilic finish of segment 316 from penetrating on the outward-facing surface of the garment and for providing protection from rain or other types of precipitation. And light-reflective finishes can be used to provide enhanced visibility to the wearer when the garment is worn. These examples are merely illustrative, and it is contemplated herein that any combination of functional finishes can be applied to segments 314, 316, 322, and 324 to achieve the desired purpose for first side 310 of textile 300 and second side 318 of textile 300.

[0073] In addition, it is contemplated herein that yarn 312 or yarn 320 may include yarn that has not been treated at intervals to have two or more functional finishes. For example, yarn 312 may include DWR-treated yarn (i.e., yarn that has been treated along its length with a DWR functional finish). Yarn 312 may optionally be knitted to form one or more "DWR" nodes that are configured to contact the wearer's skin surface. Next, the second yarn 320 may include an interval-treated yarn having a DWR finish applied to segment 322 and a hydrophilic finish applied to segment 324. When incorporated into a garment, the skin-facing DWR-treated yarn 312 can help limit the absorption of sweat into the yarn 312, but can help transport moisture to the second yarn 320 via, for example, capillary action. Once delivered to the second yarn 320, the hydrophilic finish applied to segment 324 helps absorb sweat, and the DWR finish applied to segment 322 helps limit the amount of sweat that penetrates on the second side 318. This example is provided for illustrative purposes, and other combinations of spaced treated yarns and non-spaced treated yarns are contemplated herein.

[0074] Figure 4An exemplary woven textile 400 according to aspects of the present invention is illustrated, which has a weft or fill yarn 410 that has been treated with one or more functional finishes at intervals. In an exemplary aspect, the woven textile 400 includes a plurality of warp yarns 412, 414, 416, and 418 interlaced with the weft yarn 410. The shaded area on the weft yarn 410 represents a first functional finish 420, and the non-shaded area of ​​the weft yarn 410 represents a second functional finish 422. Alternatively, the non-shaded area can represent a portion of the yarn 410 that has not been treated with a functional finish. Along the length of the weft yarn 410, a segment with a first functional finish 420 is connected to a segment with a second functional finish 422.

[0075] As the weft yarns 410 are interwoven with the warp yarns 412, 414, 416, and 418, the positioning of the first functional finish 420 and the second functional finish 422 along the length and width of the textile 400 can be varied to produce a staggered pattern of the first functional finish 420 and the second functional finish 422. In addition, by controlling the parameters associated with the interval treatment process for applying the functional finish 420 and the functional finish 422, the percentage of the functional finish 420 and the functional finish 422 in the textile 400 can be designed to achieve a desired functional effect.

[0076] Similar to knitted textile 200, the staggered positioning of functional finish 420 and functional finish 422 and the ability to control the percentage of functional finish 420 and functional finish 422 in textile 400 by varying the length of the yarn segments can provide certain functional advantages to woven textile 400, such as, for example, first functional finish 420 and second functional finish 422 working together to achieve two or more unique functional properties of textile 400, first functional finish 420 and second functional finish 422 contributing to greater transition or gradual functional properties of textile 400, and / or first functional finish 420 and second functional finish 422 creating channels, such as "wicking" channels, in textile 400. Any and all aspects and any variations thereof are contemplated as being within the scope of this document.

[0077] Figure 5A woven textile 500 is illustrated having one or more warp yarns that are treated at intervals to have different functional finishes according to aspects of the present invention. The exemplary textile 500 includes weft yarns 510 interlaced with warp yarns 512, warp yarns 514, warp yarns 516, and warp yarns 518. In an exemplary aspect, one or more of the warp yarns 512, 514, 516, and / or 518 may be treated at intervals to include one or more functional finishes. For example, the warp yarn 512 is shown as being treated at intervals to have a yarn segment including a first functional finish 520 and a yarn segment including a second functional finish 522, wherein the yarn segment including the first functional finish 520 is adjacent to the yarn segment including the second functional finish 522. The warp yarn 516 is also shown as being spaced apart so as to have yarn segments including a third functional finish 524 and a fourth functional finish 526 , wherein the yarn segments including the third functional finish 524 are joined to the yarn segments including the fourth functional finish 526 .

[0078] Next, one or more of the functional finish 520 and the functional finish 522 may be the same as one or more of the functional finish 524 and the functional finish 526, or one or more of the functional finish 520 and the functional finish 522 may be different from one or more of the functional finish 524 and the functional finish 526. In addition, it is contemplated herein that one or more segments on the warp yarn 512 and the warp yarn 516 may not include a functional finish. Likewise, it is contemplated herein that one or more of the additional warp yarns 514 and the warp yarns 518 may be treated with a functional finish at intervals. In addition, it is contemplated herein that the weft yarn 510 may be treated with one or more functional finishes at intervals. Any and all aspects and any variations thereof are contemplated to be within the scope of this document.

[0079] Similar to woven textile 400, woven textile 500 can be designed to have desired functional properties, for example based on the use of a particular functional finish, the staggered pattern of functional finishes 520, 522, 524, and 526 across the length and width of textile 500, and further based on configuring warp yarns 512 and warp yarns 516 to have a target percentage of functional finishes 520, 522, 524, and 526.

[0080] Now go to Figure 6 , Figure 6A textile 600 according to aspects of the present invention is depicted, the textile 600 having a functional finish that is gradually applied across the width of the textile 600. The textile 600 may include a knitted or woven textile formed using a yarn that has undergone a spacing process to apply at least one functional finish to the yarn. An exemplary spacing process may include spacing in a package form. As described above, in this process, the yarn is wound around a cone or a bobbin and positioned in a container having one or more jet pumps and a fluid tank. In an exemplary aspect, parameters such as the jet pressure and / or the vacuum in the container may be varied to achieve different penetrations of the functional finish into the yarn. This may be performed for each of the jet pumps or for a selected jet pump that is only suitable for applying a specific functional finish. For example, the jet pressure of a jet pump suitable for applying a specific functional finish may be reduced so that the applied functional finish does not completely penetrate the yarn segment positioned toward the inside of the cone or bobbin, but completely penetrates the yarn segment positioned toward the outside of the cone or bobbin. Intermediate penetration levels of yarn segments located midway between the interior and exterior of the cone or bobbin may be achieved.

[0081] Next, when the interval treated yarn is wound onto a knitting or braiding bobbin, it can be pulled from the bobbin so that the initial yarn segment exhibits a high penetration level of the applied functional finish, the next yarn segment exhibits a medium penetration level of the applied functional finish, and the remaining yarn segments exhibit a low penetration level of the functional finish. Alternatively, depending on how the yarn is pulled from the knitting or braiding bobbin, the order may include: a yarn segment with a low penetration level, a yarn segment with a medium penetration level, and a yarn segment with a high penetration level.

[0082] When knitted or woven into a textile, such as textile 600, yarn segments having different penetration levels of a particular functional finish can be arranged in "zones" (such as zone 610, zone 612, and zone 614) on textile 600. In an exemplary aspect, zone 610 can include yarn segments having a high penetration level of the particular finish, zone 612 can include yarn segments having a medium penetration level, and zone 614 can include yarn segments having a low penetration level of the particular functional finish. Although textile 600 is shown as having a gradient of levels of the functional finish across its width, it is also possible that textile 600 can have a gradient of levels of the functional finish across its length, depending on the particular knitting or weaving process used and / or how textile 600 is oriented.

[0083] The ability to have a gradient level of a specific functional finish over the width or length of a textile like textile 600 may be advantageous in a garment containing such a textile. As an example, as described above, a DWR finish can be applied to a yarn to achieve different penetration of the DWR finish along the length of the yarn. When incorporated into a garment such as a shirt, the zone presenting the highest penetration of the DWR finish can be positioned in the upper portion of the garment adjacent to the neck opening, and the zone presenting the lowest penetration of the DWR finish can be positioned near the bottom of the garment adjacent to the waist opening. When worn, the zone with the highest penetration of the DWR finish will be positioned adjacent to the wearer's large sweat-generating areas (i.e., the wearer's upper chest and back areas), thereby helping to minimize sweat absorption in this area and avoid unsightly sweat stains. Sweat absorbed in this area (absorbed by those yarn segments that do not include a DWR finish or have a different finish such as a hydrophilic finish) can be directed to other areas of the garment with lower levels of penetration of the DWR finish (e.g., via wicking channels, such as those described above). Sweat can then diffuse in these areas, which promotes faster evaporation of sweat and faster garment drying time. This is just one example, and additional examples involving other functional finishes are also contemplated as being within the scope of this document. For example, it is contemplated herein that the specific positioning of different zones 610, 612, and 614 on a garment may be based on the specific sport the garment will be used for, and / or whether the resulting garment will be worn by a male or female. Any and all aspects and any variations thereof are contemplated as being within the scope of this document.

[0084] Now go to Figure 7 , Figure 7 A front view of an exemplary garment 700 according to aspects of the present invention is illustrated, the garment 700 being formed of a knitted textile (such as knitted textile 200 and / or double knitted textile 300) having yarns spaced apart and treated with one or more functional finishes. Although a garment for an upper torso is shown, it is contemplated that the disclosure herein is also applicable to other articles of apparel, such as trousers, shorts, socks, hats, shoes, protective equipment such as pads, and the like. Any and all aspects and any variations thereof are contemplated to be within the scope of the present invention.

[0085] With respect to garment 700, garment 700 includes at least a torso portion 710 that is configured to cover the front and rear torsos of a wearer when garment 700 is worn. Torso portion 710 at least partially defines a neck opening 712, a waist opening 714, and sleeve openings (not shown) from which optional sleeve portions 716 and 718 may extend.

[0086] In an exemplary aspect, the entirety of the garment 700 or one or more portions thereof may be formed of a first textile 720 shown in an enlarged view 721, wherein the first textile 720 is knitted using at least one yarn 722 that has been treated with one or more functional finishes at intervals. In an exemplary aspect, the first textile 720 may include the knitted textile 200 or the double-sided knitted textile 300 described above. The shaded portion of the yarn 722 represents the first functional finish 724, and the non-shaded portion of the yarn 722 represents the second functional finish 726. Alternatively, the non-shaded portion of the yarn 722 may represent a segment of the yarn 722 that has not been treated with a functional finish. The segment of the yarn 722 having the first functional finish 724 is connected to the segment of the yarn 722 having the second functional finish 726.

[0087] Figure 7 700. In this aspect, the first textile 720 is shown as generally forming the torso portion 710 except for the area 728 represented by the dotted line. In an exemplary aspect, the area 728 can extend from the area close to the neck opening 712 (e.g., within 0cm to 20cm of the neck opening 712) to the area close to the waist opening 714 (e.g., within 30cm to 40cm of the waist opening 714). Next, the area 728 can extend along the central midline of the garment 700 so that the area 728 is configured to be positioned approximately adjacent to the upper chest area of ​​the wearer when the garment 700 is worn. Similar areas can exist on the back of the garment 700 so that the area on the back of the garment 700 is configured to be positioned approximately adjacent to the upper back area of ​​the wearer when the garment 700 is worn.

[0088] In an exemplary aspect, the region 728 may be formed using a second textile 730 shown in the enlarged view 727. The second textile 730 may be knitted using at least one yarn 732 that has been treated with one or more functional finishes. In an exemplary aspect, the second textile 730 may include the knitted textile 200 or the double-sided knitted textile 300 described above. The shaded portion of the yarn 732 represents the third functional finish 734, and the non-shaded portion of the yarn 732 represents the fourth functional finish 736. Alternatively, the non-shaded portion of the yarn 732 may represent a segment of the yarn 732 that has not been treated with a functional finish. The segment of the yarn 732 having the third functional finish 734 is connected to the segment of the yarn 732 having the fourth functional finish 736.

[0089] It is contemplated herein that the second textile 730 may include an integral extension of the first textile 720. In other words, the second textile 730 may be integrally woven from the first textile 720 by, for example, replacing the yarn 722 with the yarn 732 in the region 728. In another example, the second textile 730 may include a textile piece separate from the first textile 720, wherein the second textile 730 is connected to the first textile 720 using attachment techniques known in the art such as stitching, bonding, adhesives, welding, and the like. It is also contemplated herein that the second textile 730 may include a different structure than the first textile 720, such as a woven structure. Any and all aspects and any variations thereof are contemplated to be within the scope of this document.

[0090] In an exemplary aspect, the first functional finish 724, the second functional finish, 726, the third functional finish 734, and the fourth functional finish 736 can be selected to achieve the desired functional properties for different areas of the garment 700. As an illustrative example, when the garment 700 is worn, the area 728 is generally located adjacent to an area of ​​the body where a large amount of sweat is generated. To help avoid excessive discoloration of this area of ​​the garment 700 due to sweat, at least the third functional finish 734 can include a DWR finish to impart hydrophobic properties to the area 728, thereby helping to prevent excessive sweat from being absorbed in the area. However, to help the garment 700 absorb some sweat in this area to improve the comfort of the wearer, the fourth functional finish 736 can include a moisture management finish or a water-absorbing finish.

[0091] An additional functional benefit obtained by using this combination of finishes is the creation of one or more wicking channels in the second textile 730. Figure 2 As described, wicking channels can be formed by adjacent segments of yarn 732 having a moisture management or wicking finish. Wicking channels can be used to direct sweat from region 728 to other regions of garment 700.

[0092] With respect to the remaining areas of the torso portion 710 formed by the first textile 720 having the first functional finish 724 and the second functional finish 726, exemplary finishes may include, for example, mud and / or stain release finishes, UV absorbing finishes, antimicrobial finishes, light reflective finishes, DWR finishes, water absorbing finishes, and combinations of such finishes.

[0093] The exemplary functional finishes provided above are illustrative only. The spirit and scope of the present disclosure is intended to encompass the use of yarns treated with any number of functional finishes at intervals selected to achieve the desired functional properties of the textile or garment. Additionally, the positioning of the first textile 720 and the second textile 730 on the garment 700 is also exemplary, and other positioning patterns are contemplated herein. For example, the garment 700 may be formed from only the first textile 720 or only the second textile 730, or the garment 700 may be formed from additional textiles having functional finishes different from those described. Additionally, it is contemplated herein that some or all of the garments 700 may be formed using a single jersey knit structure, or that some or all of the garments 700 may be formed using a double jersey knit structure, as described with reference to FIG. Figure 3 As described in reference Figure 3 As described, different functional finishes may be used on each side of the double knit textile to achieve different functional properties for, for example, the exterior facing surface of garment 700 and the interior facing surface of garment 700. Any and all aspects and any variations thereof are contemplated to be within the scope herein.

[0094] Although not shown, it is also contemplated herein that the garment 700 may be made of a woven textile such as Figure 4 Textiles 400 or Figure 5 woven structure may be combined with one or more knitted structures when forming garment 700. In this regard, the weft and / or warp yarns in the woven structure may include different functional finishes to achieve the desired properties of garment 700. When a woven structure is used herein, the examples of knitted structures given above also apply. In addition, it is contemplated herein that garment 700 may also be composed of Figure 6 The textile 600 is formed so that the garment 700 can be divided into different areas with specific functional properties. Any and all aspects and any variations thereof are contemplated to be within the scope of this document.

[0095] Now turn to Figure 8 , depicts a flow chart of an exemplary method 800 for forming a textile using yarn that has been treated with one or more functional treatment agents. In step 810, a length of yarn is provided. Exemplary types of yarn may include natural yarns such as cotton, wool, silk, and the like, or artificial yarns such as polyester, nylon, and the like.

[0096] In step 812, at least a first functional finish is applied to a first set of non-contiguous segments of the yarn along the length of the yarn using a spaced treatment process. Exemplary spaced treatment processes may include knit-unravel, warp printing, spaced treatment in package form, spaced treatment in skein form, and the like. Parameters associated with the spaced treatment process may be controlled to achieve, for example, different penetration rates of the functional finish along the length of the yarn, different length yarn segments including the first functional finish, a predetermined percentage of the first functional finish on the yarn, and the like.

[0097] Next, exemplary functional finishes may include, for example, mud and / or stain removal finishes, abrasion resistant finishes, anti-slip finishes, light stable finishes, anti-pilling finishes, water repellent or hydrophobic finishes, such as durable water repellent finishes (DWR finishes), moisture management finishes, porosity control finishes, water absorbent or hydrophilic finishes, UV absorbing finishes, antistatic finishes, phase change and temperature regulating finishes, antimicrobial finishes, odor management finishes, conductive finishes, flame retardant finishes, light reflective finishes, burnout pastes, UV reactive inks, heating and cooling management finishes, and the like. After the spacing treatment, the yarn may include connected segments forming a length of yarn, wherein each segment may have a functional finish applied thereto. Optionally, one or more of the connected segments may not include a functional finish.

[0098] In step 814, the yarn treated by spacing is used to form a textile. In an exemplary aspect, the textile may include a knitted textile, such as knitted textile 200 (e.g., single jersey) or double knitted textile 300 (e.g., double jersey), wherein the textile is knitted using at least the yarn treated by spacing. In an exemplary aspect, the textile may also include a woven textile, such as textile 400 or textile 500. In this structure, the yarn treated by spacing may form a weft yarn or form one of the warp yarns. Additional steps may include forming the textile into an article of apparel, such as a shirt, jacket, trousers, shorts, hat, socks, shoes, protective equipment such as a pad, and the like. The textile may be incorporated into an article of apparel to impart desired functional properties in the region in which the textile is incorporated.

[0099] Aspects of the present disclosure have been described for illustrative and non-restrictive purposes. Alternative aspects that do not depart from the scope of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Those skilled in the art may develop alternative means to achieve the aforementioned improvements without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0100] It is understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without involving other features and subcombinations and are contemplated to be within the scope of the claims.Not all steps listed in the various figures need to be performed in the particular order described.

Claims

1. A knitted garment formed from yarn, the yarn having been treated with a functional finishing agent before forming the knitted garment, the knitted garment comprising: a first zone formed by the yarn, wherein yarn segments of the yarn in the first zone have a high penetration level of the functional finish; a second zone extending integrally from the first zone, wherein yarn segments of the yarn in the second zone have an intermediate penetration level of the functional finish; and a third zone extending integrally from the second zone, wherein the yarn segments of the yarn in the third zone have a low penetration level of the functional finish, The functional finish is defined as a finish that changes, alters or modifies the properties of the yarn to which it is applied and / or contributes to specific attributes of the yarn without substantially changing the visual appearance of the yarn when it is applied, and the functional finish is a durable water-repellent finish.

2. The knitted garment according to claim 1, wherein: The knitted garment is a top.

3. The knitted garment according to claim 2, wherein: The first zone is located at an upper portion of the garment adjacent a neck opening of the garment.

4. The knitted garment according to claim 3, wherein: The third zone is located near the bottom of the top adjacent to a waist opening of the top.

5. A knitted textile formed from yarn, the yarn having been treated with a functional finishing agent before forming the knitted textile, the knitted textile comprising: a first zone formed by the yarn, wherein yarn segments of the yarn in the first zone have a high penetration level of the functional finish; a second zone extending integrally from the first zone, wherein yarn segments of the yarn in the second zone have an intermediate penetration level of the functional finish; and a third zone extending integrally from the second zone, wherein the yarn segments of the yarn in the third zone have a low penetration level of the functional finish, The functional finish is defined as a finish that changes, alters or modifies the properties of the yarn to which it is applied and / or contributes to specific attributes of the yarn without substantially changing the visual appearance of the yarn when it is applied, and the functional finish is a durable water-repellent finish.

6. The knitted textile according to claim 5, wherein: The second region is located between the first region and the third region.

7. A method of forming a knitted textile, the method comprising: applying a functional finish to a yarn wound on a bobbin, wherein parameters associated with the application of the functional finish are adjusted to achieve different penetration levels of the functional finish into different yarn segments of the yarn; and using the yarn to form the knitted textile product, The functional finish is defined as a finish that changes, alters or modifies the properties of the yarn to which it is applied and / or contributes to specific attributes of the yarn without substantially changing the visual appearance of the yarn when it is applied, and the functional finish is a durable water-repellent finish.

8. A method of forming a knitted textile product according to claim 7, wherein: The yarn segments of the yarn that are located outside of the bobbin have a high penetration level of the functional finish.

9. A method of forming a knitted textile product according to claim 8, wherein: The yarn section of the yarn located inside the bobbin has a low penetration level of the functional finish.

10. A method of forming a knitted textile product according to claim 9, wherein: A yarn segment of the yarn midway between the exterior of the barrel and the interior of the barrel has an intermediate penetration level of the functional finish.

11. The method of forming a knitted textile product according to claim 7, wherein: The knitted textile formed from the yarn comprises: a first zone formed by the yarn, wherein yarn segments of the yarn in the first zone have a high penetration level of the functional finish; a second zone extending integrally from the first zone, wherein yarn segments of the yarn in the second zone have an intermediate penetration level of the functional finish; and A third zone integrally extending from the second zone, wherein yarn segments of the yarn in the third zone have a low penetration level of the functional finish.

12. The method of forming a knitted textile according to claim 11, further comprising forming a knitted garment using the knitted textile.

13. A method of forming a knitted textile product according to claim 12, wherein: The knitted garment is a top.

14. A method of forming a knitted textile product according to claim 13, wherein: The first zone is located at an upper portion of the garment adjacent a neck opening of the garment.

15. A method of forming a knitted textile product according to claim 14, wherein: The third zone is located near the bottom of the top adjacent to a waist opening of the top.

16. The method of forming a knitted textile product according to claim 7, wherein: At least one of the parameters associated with application of the functional finish includes a spray pressure of a spray pump used to apply the functional finish.

Images